Why Winning Isn't Everything

Professor Lisa Nakamura will address the idea that the best strategy for stigmatized players to avoid harassment while playing games is to create habitable spaces for themselves by displays of superior skill, by proving their worth by dominating other players—in other words by using procedural meritocracy—and how this is problematic in an environment that does not offer a level playing field to women and people of color.

Dr. Nakamura will discuss:

Gamergate - the scandal that rocked video game culture highlighting its problems with sexism and racism.

The notion that women and players of color must negotiate intense attachments to a dream of equality and respect earned through “good play” both within and without games.

Social justice strategies for addressing racism and sexism within gaming culture

This talk is sponsored by the Computer & Video Game Archive and the Library Diversity Council.